The eagle eyed amongst you might notice that the latest Balmain Fall Winter 2015 menswear resembles fragments of a few predecessor collections, more notably the Balmain Fall Winter 2012 men’s “Russian Imperial Army” and the Balmain Fall Winter 2013 men’s Asian-Eastern thematic. Rousteing took some of the best attributes to render the current aristocracy collection. The difference given is a series of cosmetic changes in the redesigned bomber fur jacket – an ultimate staple for every winter season, military influenced satin-lapel blazer, geometry panelled biker denims in key washes and leather variants, including a diversified collection of his signature sarouel and sweatpants. These changes might sound small but it actually gives this collection an innovative modern appearance, particularly in details administered.

Fortunately, the notion underpinning the latest Balmain Fall Winter 2015 menswear is far from main stream at least from now, which means those who are eager to experience it need to be prepared to pay a substantial premium. But the good news is it is not some far-fetched laboratory experiment, it is a comprehensive collection that has been given a series of updated cosmetic changes on both classic and seasonal pieces, yet it still feels every bit as special and true to the hallmarks of the Parisian house as represented. Even though most of the styles has been repeated or eventually turned classic for this season, there are an abundance of new biker denims and sweatpants that comes with features like ribbed leather inserts, double-zippers, along with distressed and destroyed characteristics, so it’s very well diversified. Speaking of which, the Balmain Blue Knee-Destroyed Denim Biker Jeans will definitely be a sell out much like it’s earlier sibling in a lighter blue variant from Spring Summer 2015.

While the overall Balmain Fall Winter 2015 menswear collection is evocative to say the least, some of the minor details like the richly embroidered gold crest and oversized lion patch are traditional techniques evolved from the well-known classic couture spirit, these distinctive characteristics are in congress as part of the permanent feature in Balmain Homme but the result is always fascinating, always thought provoking. And while it looks spectacularly presented, the collection only truly comes to life when worn with the right pieces. However these are premium value pieces at a staggering prices, one would have to evaluate with deep pockets to truly experience, there is a lot of personal preference there as well. Luckily for many of us this is hardly a decision to lose sleep over as the ‘entry-level’ Balmain embroidered pieces costs at least $1,115 – $5,270 depending on your selection.

Balmain has just revealed an officially announced of a capsule designer cross high-street collection teamed up with Swedish super chain giant H&M to sell cut-price versions of the French luxury brand’s clothes and accessories. The news came as an unpredictable surprise during the Billboard Music Awards (BBMA) 2015 red carpet pre-show arrival through its Twitter account.

“GETTING READY FOR #BBMA with @kendalljenner and @officialjdunn . WHAT HAPPEN IN VEGAS WILL NOT STAY IN VEGAS @billboard #imsoready #guessforwhat”

Although there was insufficient information to determine Rousteing’s status from divulging the details of this collaboration. In the intervening period, Jenner shared the same image on leaving a quick informal teaser to her 26.2 million followers,

“with @olivier_rousteing and @officialjdunn bein cute… we have some news @balmainparis @hm”

Just moments before the BBMAs was set to begin, the teaser on both designer and celebrity’s Instagram got the news proliferated like a wildfire globally. This is not the first time H&M made a startling partnership announcement through unexpected snippets that succeeded in garnering its shopper’s attention. Much like its earlier anticipation with its 2014 guest collaboration designer – Alexander Wang made a similar strategic announcement with the major high-street brand on the red carpet, just hours before the party was set to begin during the huge Alexander Wang X H&M Coachella music event.

Time flies when you’re busy exploring shedloads of designer wear, and by the time you are still expecting for the latest arrivals from Spring Summer 2015 collection the new transition period has already begun. Fall Winter 2015 is approaching upon us, and yet Spring Summer 2015 sales season is just weeks away in May. This week mark’s Milan based luxury retailer – Antonioli to launch its latest Pre-Fall 2015 and Fall Winter 2015 menswear collection, a vast resurgence of new arrivals currently available for advance pre-order after overcoming Givenchy Spring Summer 2015’s demand which lead to an instant sellout in a matter of weeks since the beginning of the season.

It is customary for Givenchy in every pre-collection to reproduce visual aesthetics from former collections, but the new Givenchy Pre-Fall 2015 menswear collection not only begins from the past, it integrates experimental elements extended from the house codes. In this season, pixel-blocking properties dress across predominant designs that have taken inspiration from a digital manipulation software. The Givenchy Black Madonna Digital Print Cuban-Fit T-Shirt sets a prime example, utilizing the base print work reinitiated from the Givenchy Spring Summer 2013 menswear collection while incorporating pixelated accents and what seems to be the crop tool housing strategically position on the right side of the print.

The pixelated digital coding was not only confined to a visual experiment but also continued through one of the main Givenchy Pre-Fall 2015 print series. Set in a khaki military colourway, the Givenchy Black Stars & Digital Pinball Print Columbian-Fit T-Shirt features a two dimensional symmetrical assembly built from an array of geometric lines that shapes a military radar detector system with an additional camouflage touch represented in a pixelated digital pattern. On the other hand, a conspicuous Givenchy Black Fire Abstract Print Columbian-Fit Sweatshirt seems to have transpired from an IR infrared heat signature imaging, the nature of digitalism played a significant role in this season’s pre-collection series.

While the Givenchy Pre-Fall 2015 menswear lookbook featured the ‘Love’ typography print offered in a torn-off or technicolor degraded print series has prevailed through a complete selection of outwear to choose from. Finding desire to own these pieces may be a challenge due to the weak aspirational visual aesthetics portrayed in this particular series, however there are some other highly noteworthy pieces enveloped from through the classic collection. One of the few treasured pieces in the current collection is the Givenchy Black Stars & Stripes Print Mohair-Blend Sweater, it is uniquely composed from a mixture of five different materials, rendering a distinct texture on the contrast white and red striped waistline. Another interesting selection is the Givenchy Black Crystal Studded Swiss Leather Sandals, this pair of quality spring footwear mainly features Swarovski jewels and metal studded embellishments, making it eye-catching from a distance and looks wise is nonetheless extravagant. Other enticing accessories include the Givenchy Gold Codification series available in a textured leather backpack and zipper pouch to match that are new and exclusive codes to this season.

Heading to Fall Winter 2015, just by having a closer look at Antonoli’s latest Givenchy Fall Winter 2015 menswear collection, the devils in the details felt incredibly realistic, the collection revealed the little but yet important detailing unseen from the vast showcase and dark runway setting. One could grasp the concept by Riccardo Tisci’s intend to turn formal streetwear with a devilish affair, the dynamic inspiration converted Givenchy’s standard ready-to-wear basics into a discerning experiment. The more subtly collection is dominated by the worn out effect ‘Native American’ or otherwise presumed ‘Persian’ gauged carpet print, primarily available with an alternative black gradient approach.

This season’s prominent style direction assembles severely worn out attributes as though a ferocious animal has ripped across the fabrics, a key feature administered in less distinct designs offered in a creative approach. Cotton shirts are elongated this season with unfinished seams protruding across edge – termed “Raw-Cut”, such as the Givenchy Black & Red Raw-Cut Contour Columbian-Fit Long Shirt outlined the perfect classic representation of a devil’s outfit. A Givenchy Black Destroyed Native-American Carpet Print Columbian-Fit Sweatshirt addresses random distressed throughout that unveils tiny hidden patches of print details that gave off an unexpected creative notion, while while oversized generic label branded Givenchy Black ‘Givenchy Paris’ Print Columbian-Fit Sweatshirt also available in a T-Shirt variant were intensively destroyed till a point it questions the irony coming from a luxury designer. These unique aesthetics will definitely challenge consumer’s acceptance and appreciation, particularly towards these pieces.

Balmain’s creative director Olivier Rousteing signed an artistic direction for TÊTU Magazine, March 2015 / No. 208 issue – (Têtu by the name in French for “stubborn”) is a general interest gay publication in France. Photographed by Mariano Vivanco, hair-do by Nabil Harlow and make-up done by Niki M’Nray, the exclusive fashion editorial was shot in the prestigious Maxim’s Restaurant in Paris.

A monumental understatement titled as “A Sexy Night Out With The Balmain Army” that staged 13 male and female models dressed and undressed in the latest Balmain Fall Winter 2015 wear to past archive collections dating back to early Spring Summer 2012. Styled by Rousteing himself, the 12-page series featured many womens and menswear prominent key pieces that were designed throughout Rousteing’s time as creative director, such as the SS12 leather dress appliquéd with metallic gold, extravagant FW12 pearl beaded velvet jackets and dresses, SS13 checked techno raffia dress from the womenswear just to name a few, addition to this Rousteing highlights his current SS15 men’s sportswear collection – notably the bi-color leather trousers and distinct open toe lace-up gladiators boots, this further includes to promote his latest Balmain Fall Winter 2015 menswear which showcases an array of crystal embellished blazers. The models poses in explicit debauchery moments assembled to complete the elementary agenda.

At an age when fluid fashion state and exuberant crystal rhinestone outerwear seems less practical for the daily wearer, downsizing from a high glamour runway collection is prevalent when it comes to practicality. The Balmain Fall Winter 2015 menswear showroom unveils a shrouded commercial collection for the frequent wearer scheduled for the upcoming retailer stock intake.

Global buyers who attended the bi-annual showroom presentation day have exposed the first photographs of much of the unseen collection that is due to surface in-stores from late August 2015 onwards. Enclosed within the commercial collection features a standard range of conventional variety at a seasonal approach, Balmain gave its trademark biker look a minor cosmetic facelift and new style lesson which seems to be taken from the former collections.

Familiar adaptations inclined for fall winter has return this season includes a Balmain Black Nylon-Panelled Padded Down Jacket with a slight double-zipper tweaks at the front and severe changes to the fabric, seen earlier available in a khaki military green interpretation at MR PORTER for Balmain Fall Winter 2014 menswear. As teddy jackets are frequently associated with successful style making, the designer came up with a Balmain Navy & Burgundy Navajo-Embroidered Varsity Wool Jacket, a productive approach by extending the concurrent Balmain Spring Summer 2015 menswear blueprint to the forthcoming season.

Spotted from the jeans category are a series of momentous distressed and destroyed biker denims that compromise Decarnin’s notorious styling, bound to thrill the Balmain enthusiast and due to popular demand, a pair of Balmain Blue Washed Destroyed Denim Biker Jeans made available at 18cm in Fall Winter 2013 is offered in a similar styling at a skinny 16cm silhouette. This pair is predicted to sell out within a weeks, including the new zip-embellished elements on the biker sweatpants. Besides the conventional revision and aside from the vigorous runway collection, the designer is exploring a brand identity strategy by labelling its house logo and name across a series of tops and footwear collection. Some pretentious pieces includes “Do you speak Balmain” and “Balmain Army” hash-tags in metallic text printed across t-shirts, which seems largely targeted at mainstream consumers. Personally, I felt this is not a wise maneuver as it is contrast to the Balmain values, while elements should continue to remain noble and spirited from traditional codes. Shop the best Balmain Spring Summer 2015 menswear collection at Luisa Via Roma.Continue Reading

Luxury has become Balmain’s staple, so it’s not surprise to see where creative director Olivier Rousteing is heading to. For this season, the Balmain Men’s Fall Winter 2015 presentation day took place on Thursday 25th January 2015 at 2:00pm in Hôtel d’Evreux, Paris. The designer sets a new benchmark venturing into a doze of affluent wardrobe collection inspired by what he believes as the new generation of international aristocrats would wear, to parties of course.

The Balmain Fall Winter 2015 menswear collection is catered for a diverse and inclusive group of stylish consumers who aren’t afraid to peacock. A blend of fluid silhouettes flourish the latest menswear in regal fabrics includes rich velvets, silks, and cashmere. Of course, not to forget Balmain’s ultimate code – what is the answer to luxury without exorbitant features? Gold embroidery with red contrast accents forms signature military patchworks, raccoon furs dressed shawl lapels, while shimmery metallic leather highlights exclusive relevance, these were just some of the prominent “icing on the cake” that make for a very classy collection.

One of the most distinct masterpieces recognizable from the Fall Winter 2015 collection is the extravagant Balmain Crystal Rhinestone Embellished Jacket, much like the it’s hefty Balmain Spring Summer 2015 Navajo Beaded series sibling, the latest diamanté tuxedo jacket weighs a staggering 25 kilograms and is estimated to be priced from $45,000 till $60,000 for the range-topper, coat jacket as seen on the runway below in dark blue. Few houses would spare the expense in such an investment, but for any men in Balmain world, money is no object to such consideration. Another distinguish feature is the cashmere beanies, whereby all models were wearing during the presentation show, including Rousteing himself, explained that is was touch of tribute to hip-hop culture, which evidently poses a vital form of identity and a new standard of dynamism towards the collection.

Olivier Rousteing, the creative director of Balmain, explained that the Fall Winter 2015 collection is very close to performing and playing with the Balmain house codes, he said, a richness collection that men might be looking for, there is still a customer in need for this high glamour. Besides this, Rosteing’s celebrity wishlist has already been accomplished so far, he mentioned that he had the chance to dress all the celebrities he has ever wanted, from Kanye West and Kim Kardashian, to Jay Z, Rihanna for the previous house campaign, David Beckham and so forth, a personal approach were key models dress in his Balmain works of arts.

Due to the nature of the presentation looks it was not possible to get a full impression of the Balmain Fall Winter 2015 menswear collection. However, an upcoming sneak peek preview will enable us to gauge the collection’s potential. Either way, it is encouraging to see such an exclusive luxury essence is incorporated into a beautiful seasonal collection offered along with the classic biker collection, which leaves very little compromises. If you fancy a luxury designer that seemingly offers an affluent impression and an abundance of selection, than the Balmain Fall Winter 2015 menswear is worth a closer look. I can’t wait, and I know I’m not alone. For earlier in-depth reviews, visit the Balmain Fall Winter 2015 Menswear Collection post.

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